Build a Pitchers Mound

A regulation pitcher's mound is a raised section in the middle of a baseball diamond where a pitcher stands to throw a pitch. A pitcher's mound is typically made of clay, sand and dirt and stands 10 inches (254 mm) higher than the infield grass. Follow these steps to build a pitcher's mound that meets regulation baseball standards.

Steps

1. Decide on the location for the pitcher's mound. The location should feature a clear path more than 60 feet (18.29 meters) away from home plate.
2. Determine measurements for the pitcher's mound. A regulation pitcher's mound is 18 feet (5.49 meters) in diameter. The center of the mound is 59 feet (17.98 meters) from the back of home plate. The pitching rubber (or pitcher's plate) is 18 inches (0.46 meters) behind the center of the mound or 60 feet, 6 inches (18.44 meters) from the back of home plate.
3. Mark the measurements. Use chalk or flags to indicate measurements on your field.
4. Install the pitching rubber. Fill in the area around the pitching rubber with a clay, sand and dirt mixture. The pitching rubber should be 10 inches (254 mm) higher than the playing field.
5. Bury several clay bricks. Situate the bricks in the pitcher's landing area, which is the approximate spot where the pitcher's legs land after throwing a pitch. The pitcher's landing area is the most stressed area of the mound. Burying clay bricks will provide durability to your mound and reduce the need for frequent maintenance.
6. Slope the mound. The slope from the pitching rubber should begin 6 inches (152.4 mm) in front of the rubber, and slope toward home plate 1 inch (25.4 mm) for every foot (0.3 meters).
7. Tamp the mound. Once the mound has taken shape, pound the surface area of the mound with a tamp, or a hard, flat surface, to ensure there are no loose areas.
8. Rake the mound. Raking the mound will remove any pebbles or chunks of grass.
9. Moisten the mound with water. The water will soak into the mound and firmly set the clay. Regular watering also will prevent your mound from cracking or eroding.

Tips

• Purchase pitcher's mound bricks when building your pitching mound. These bricks are made specifically for burying into pitcher's mounds.
• Cover your mound with a tarp when it isn't being used. This will prevent the elements from drying out your pitcher's mound or washing it into the turf.
• Pitching slope frames make the process of sloping your mound easier. Pitching slope frames are available online and in baseball specialty stores.
• Bury a cinder block or brick below the pitching rubber to ensure it doesn't shift.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Shovel
• Chalk or flags
• Pitching rubber
• Home plate
• Clay, sand and dirt
• Clay bricks
• Pitching slope frame
• Tamp
• Rake
• Water hose
• Tarp

Sources and Citations

• http://www.ultimate-baseball-field-renovation-guide.com/baseball-mound-clay-bricks.html
• http://www.diamondpro.com/media/img/resources/how-to-pitchers-mound.pdf

See also

• Throw a 12 6 Curveball
• Pitch a Baseball
• Throw a Great Two Seam Fastball
• Throw a Sinker
• Throw a Curveball
• Strengthen Your Pitching Arm
• Throw a Cut Fastball
• Throw a Gyroball
• Throw a Baseball Harder
• Throw a Knuckleball

Read more ...